Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/915 of 25 April 2023 on maximum levels for certain contaminants in food and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 (Text with EEA relevance)
Modified by
  • Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/1510of 20 July 2023amending Regulation (EU) 2023/915 as regards maximum levels of cadmium in tiger nuts and certain cultivated fungi(Text with EEA relevance), 32023R1510, July 21, 2023
  • Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/1002of 4 April 2024amending Regulation (EU) 2023/915 as regards the maximum levels of perchlorate in beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) with pods(Text with EEA relevance), 32024R1002, April 5, 2024
  • Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/1022of 8 April 2024amending Regulation (EU) 2023/915 as regards maximum levels of deoxynivalenol in food(Text with EEA relevance), 32024R1022, April 9, 2024
  • Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/1038of 9 April 2024amending Regulation (EU) 2023/915 as regards maximum levels of T-2 and HT-2 toxins in food(Text with EEA relevance), 32024R1038, April 10, 2024
  • Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/1683of 17 June 2024correcting the Latvian language version of Regulation (EU) 2023/915 on maximum levels for certain contaminants in food(Text with EEA relevance), 32024R1683, June 18, 2024
  • Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/1756of 25 June 2024amending and correcting Regulation (EU) 2023/915 on maximum levels for certain contaminants in food(Text with EEA relevance), 32024R1756, June 26, 2024
  • Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/1808of 1 July 2024amending Regulation (EU) 2023/915 as regards the application date of lower maximum levels for ergot sclerotia and ergot alkaloids in food(Text with EEA relevance), 32024R1808, July 2, 2024
Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/915of 25 April 2023on maximum levels for certain contaminants in food and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006(Text with EEA relevance)
Article 1DefinitionsFor the purposes of this Regulation, the following definitions apply:(a)"food" means food as defined in Article 2 of Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 of the European Parliament and of the CouncilRegulation (EC) No 178/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 January 2002 laying down the general principles and requirements of food law, establishing the European Food Safety Authority and laying down procedures in matters of food safety (OJ L 31, 1.2.2002, p. 1).;(b)"food business operator" means food business operator as defined in Article 3, point 3, of Regulation (EC) No 178/2002;(c)"placing on the market" means placing on the market as defined in Article 3, point 8, of Regulation (EC) No 178/2002;(d)"final consumer" means final consumer as defined in Article 3, point 18, of Regulation (EC) No 178/2002;(e)"processing" means processing as defined in Article 2(1), point (m) of Regulation (EC) No 852/2004 of the European Parliament and of the CouncilRegulation (EC) No 852/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 on the hygiene of foodstuffs (OJ L 139, 30.4.2004, p. 1).;(f)"unprocessed products" means unprocessed products as defined in Article 2(1), point (n), of Regulation (EC) No 852/2004; and(g)"processed products" means processed products as defined in Article 2(1), point (o), of Regulation (EC) No 852/2004.
Article 2General rules1.The food listed in Annex I shall not be placed on the market and shall not be used as a raw material in food or as an ingredient in food where it contains a contaminant at a level which exceeds the maximum level set out in Annex I.2.Food complying with the maximum levels set out in Annex I shall not be mixed with food which exceeds these maximum levels.3.The maximum levels set out in Annex I, unless otherwise specified in that Annex, shall apply to food as placed on the market and to the edible part of the food concerned.4.In systems where cereal production and processing are integrated so that all incoming lots are cleaned, sorted and processed in the same establishment, the maximum levels shall apply to unprocessed cereals in the production chain at the stage before first-stage processing.
Article 3Dried, diluted, processed and compound food1.Where no specific Union maximum levels are set out in Annex I for food which is dried, diluted, processed or compound food (i.e. composed of more than one ingredient), the following aspects shall be taken into account when applying the maximum levels set out in Annex I to such food:(a)changes of the concentration of the contaminant caused by drying or dilution processes;(b)changes of the concentration of the contaminant caused by processing;(c)the relative proportions of the ingredients in the product;(d)the analytical limit of quantification.2.Where the competent authority carries out an official control, the food business operator shall provide and justify the specific concentration, dilution or processing factors for the drying, diluting or processing operations concerned or the specific concentration, dilution or processing factors for the dried, diluted, processed or compound food concerned as well as the proportion of ingredients for mixing operations concerned.Where the food business operator does not provide the necessary concentration, dilution or processing factor or where the competent authority deems that factor inappropriate in view of the justification given, the competent authority shall itself define that factor, based on the available information and with the objective of maximum protection of human health.3.Where no specific Union maximum levels for food for infants and young children are set out in Annex I, Member States may provide for stricter maximum levels for such food.
Article 4Prohibition on detoxificationFood containing contaminants listed in Annex I shall not be deliberately detoxified by chemical treatments.
Article 5Food to be subjected to sorting or other physical treatment before placing on the market for the final consumer or use as a food ingredient1.Where a maximum level for a contaminant is set out in Annex I specifically as regards food to be subjected to sorting or other physical treatment before placing on the market for the final consumer or use as a food ingredient, such food may be placed on the market provided that:(a)it is not placed on the market for the final consumer or use as a food ingredient;(b)it complies with the maximum level set out in Annex I for that contaminant in that food to be subjected to sorting or other physical treatment before placing on the market for the final consumer or use as a food ingredient; and(c)it is labelled and marked in accordance with paragraph 2.2.The label of each individual package and the original accompanying document of food referred to in paragraph 1, point (c), shall clearly show its use and bear the following information: "Product shall be subjected to sorting or other physical treatment to reduce [name contaminant(s)] contamination before placing on the market for the final consumer or use as a food ingredient".The consignment/batch identification code shall be indelibly marked on each individual package of the consignment and on the original accompanying document.3.Food to be subjected to sorting or other physical treatment to reduce contamination levels shall not prior to this be mixed with food placed on the market for the final consumer or with food intended for use as a food ingredient.4.Food which has been subjected to sorting or other physical treatment to reduce contamination levels may be placed on the market provided that the maximum levels set out in Annex I for food placed on the market for the final consumer or use as a food ingredient are not exceeded and that the treatment used has not resulted in the presence of other harmful residues.
Article 6Labelling provisions for groundnuts (peanuts), other oilseeds, derived products thereof and cereals1.The label of each individual package and the original accompanying document of groundnuts (peanuts), other oilseeds, derived products thereof and cereals shall clearly show its intended use.The consignment/batch identification code shall be indelibly marked on each individual package of the consignment and on the original accompanying document. The business activity of the consignee of the consignment given on the accompanying document shall be compatible with the intended use.2.In the absence of a clear information that their intended use is not to be placed on the market as food, the maximum levels set out in Annex I shall apply to all groundnuts (peanuts), other oilseeds and derived products thereof and cereals placed on the market.3.The exception of groundnuts (peanuts) and other oilseeds for crushing from the application of the maximum levels set out in Annex I, shall only apply to consignments, which:(a)are clearly labelled showing their intended use;(b)bear the following information "Product to be subject to crushing for the production of refined vegetable oil" on the label of each individual package and on the original accompanying document; and(c)have a crushing plant as the final destination.
Article 7Derogations from Article 21.By way of derogation from Article 2, Latvia, Finland and Sweden may authorise the placing on their respective market for the final consumer, within their annual quota as set in Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 of the European Parliament and of the CouncilRegulation (EU) No 1380/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2013 on the Common Fisheries Policy, amending Council Regulations (EC) No 1954/2003 and (EC) No 1224/2009 and repealing Council Regulations (EC) No 2371/2002 and (EC) No 639/2004 and Council Decision 2004/585/EC (OJ L 354, 28.12.2013, p. 22)., of wild caught salmon (Salmo salar) and products thereof originating in the Baltic region with levels of dioxins and/or DL-PCBs and/or NDL-PCBs higher than those set out in point 4.1.5 of Annex I, provided that:(a)a system is in place to ensure that final consumers, are fully informed of the national dietary recommendations with regard to the restrictions on the consumption of wild caught salmon from the Baltic region and products thereof by identified vulnerable groups of the population in order to avoid potential health risks;(b)Latvia, Finland and Sweden continue to apply the necessary measures to ensure that wild caught salmon and products thereof not complying with point 4.1.5 of Annex I are not marketed in other Member States;(c)Latvia, Finland and Sweden report yearly to the Commission the measures they have taken to effectively inform final consumers of the dietary recommendations and to ensure that wild caught salmon and products thereof not compliant with the maximum levels are not marketed in other Member States and provide evidence of the effectiveness of those measures.2.By way of derogation from Article 2, Finland and Sweden may authorise the placing on their respective market, within their annual quota as set in Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013, wild caught Baltic herring larger than 17 cm (Clupea harengus membras), of wild caught char (Salvelinus spp.), wild caught river lamprey (Lampetra fluviatilis) and wild caught trout (Salmo trutta) and products thereof originating in the Baltic region with levels of dioxins and/or DL-PCBs and/or NDL-PCBs higher than those set out in point 4.1.5 of Annex I, provided that:(a)a system is in place to ensure that final consumers are fully informed of the dietary recommendations with regard to the restrictions on the consumption of wild caught Baltic herring larger than 17 cm, wild caught char, wild caught river lamprey and wild caught trout from the Baltic region and products thereof by identified vulnerable groups of the population in order to avoid potential health risks;(b)Finland and Sweden continue to apply the necessary measures to ensure that wild caught Baltic herring larger than 17 cm, wild caught char, wild caught river lamprey and wild caught trout and products thereof not complying with point 4.1.5 of Annex I are not marketed in other Member States;(c)Finland and Sweden report yearly to the Commission the measures they have taken to effectively inform the identified vulnerable sections of the population of the dietary recommendations and to ensure that fish and products thereof not compliant with the maximum levels is not marketed in other Member States and provide evidence of the effectiveness of those measures.3.By way of derogation from Article 2, the following Member States may authorise the placing on their respective market for the final consumer of the following traditionally smoked meat and smoked meat products, smoked in their territory with levels of PAHs higher than those set out in point 5.1.6 of Annex I, provided that those products dot not contain more than 5,0 μg/kg for benzo(a)pyrene and 30,0 μg/kg for the sum of benzo(a)pyrene, benz(a)anthracene, benzo(b)fluoranthene and chrysene:(a)Ireland, Croatia, Cyprus, Spain, Poland and Portugal: traditionally smoked meat and meat products;(b)Latvia: traditionally smoked pork, hot smoked chicken meat, hot smoked sausages and hot smoked game meat;(c)Slovakia: salted traditionally smoked meat, traditionally smoked bacon, traditionally smoked sausage (klobása), where "traditionally smoked" means developing smoke by burning woods (wood logs, wood sawdust, wood chips) in a smokehouse;(d)Finland: traditionally hot smoked meat and meat products;(e)Sweden: meat and meat products smoked over glowing wood or other plant materials.Those Member States and concerned food business operators shall continue to monitor the presence of PAHs in traditionally smoked meat and smoked meat products referred to in the first subparagraph and shall ensure that good smoking practices are implemented where possible, without losing typical organoleptic characteristics of those products.4.By way of derogation from Article 2, the following Member States may authorise the placing on their respective market for the final consumer of the following traditionally smoked fish and smoked fishery products, smoked in their territory with levels of PAHs higher than those set out in point 5.1.7 of Annex I, provided that those smoked products do not contain more than 5,0 μg/kg for benzo(a)pyrene and 30,0 μg/kg for the sum of benzo(a)pyrene, benz(a)anthracene, benzo(b)fluoranthene and chrysene:(a)Latvia: traditionally hot smoked fish;(b)Finland: traditionally hot smoked small fish and fishery products made from small fish;(c)Sweden: fish and fishery products smoked over glowing wood or other plant materials.Those Member States and concerned food business operators shall continue to monitor the presence of PAHs in traditionally smoked fish and smoked fishery products referred to in the first subparagraph and shall ensure that good smoking practices are implemented where possible, without losing typical organoleptic characteristics of those products.
Article 8Monitoring and reporting1.By 1 July 2023, Member States and interested parties shall communicate to the Commission the results of investigations undertaken and the progress with regard to the application of prevention measures to avoid contamination by ergot sclerotia and ergot alkaloids in rye and rye milling products and ergot alkaloids in milling products of barley, wheat, spelt and oats grains.Member States and interested parties shall report every year to the European Food Safety Authority ("Authority") the occurrence data on ergot sclerotia and ergot alkaloids in rye and rye milling products and on ergot alkaloids in milling products of barley, wheat, spelt and oats grains.2.Member States shall communicate to the Commission, when requested, the investigations undertaken and the relevant sources identified following Commission Recommendations for monitoring of the presence of contaminants in food and the progress with regard to the application of prevention measures to avoid contamination.3.Member States shall report to the Authority the occurrence data that they have collected on other contaminants than those referred to in paragraph 1. Food business operators and other interested parties may submit such occurrence data to the Authority.4.Member States, food business operators and other interested parties shall provide to the Authority the occurrence data in accordance with Authority’s reporting requirements.5.Member States and interested parties shall communicate by 1 January 2028 to the Commission the results of investigations undertaken and progress made with regard to the application of prevention measures to reduce contamination by T-2 and HT-2 toxins in oats and oat products.Member States and interested parties shall report on a regular basis to the Authority the occurrence data on T-2 and HT-2 toxins in oats and oat products.
Article 9RepealRegulation (EC) No 1881/2006 is repealed.References to the repealed Regulation shall be construed as references to this Regulation and shall be read in accordance with the correlation table in Annex II.
Article 10Transitional measures1.Food lawfully placed on the market prior to the dates referred to in points (a) to (n) may remain on the market until their date of minimum durability or use-by date:(a)19 September 2021 as regards the maximum levels for tropane alkaloids in baby foods and processed cereal-based foods for infants and young children, containing maize or its derived products set out in point 2.2.1 of Annex I;(b)1 January 2022 as regards the maximum levels for ergot sclerotia and ergot alkaloids set out in point 1.8 of Annex I;(c)3 May 2022 as regards the maximum levels for mercury set out in point 3.3 of Annex I;(d)1 July 2022 as regards the maximum levels for opium alkaloids set out in point 2.5 of Annex I;(e)1 September 2022 as regards the maximum levels for tropane alkaloids set out in points 2.2.2 to 2.2.9 of Annex I;(f)1 January 2023 as regards the maximum levels for ochratoxin A set out in point 1.2 of Annex I;(g)1 January 2023 as regards the maximum levels for hydrocyanic acid set out in point 2.3 of Annex I;(h)1 January 2023 as regards the maximum levels for the sum of Δ9-THC and Δ9-THCA set out in point 2.6 of Annex I;(i)1 January 2023 as regards the maximum levels for the sum of dioxins and for the sum of dioxins and DL-PCBs set out in points 4.1.1, 4.1.2, 4.1.11 and 4.1.12 of Annex I;(j)1 January 2023 as regards the maximum levels for the sum of perfluoroalkyl substances set out in point 4.2 of Annex I;(k)26 March 2023 as regards the maximum levels for arsenic set out in point 3.4 of Annex I;(l)1 July 2024 as regards the maximum levels for ergot alkaloids set out in point 1.8.2.1 of Annex I;(m)1 July 2025 as regards the maximum levels for ergot sclerotia set out in point 1.8.1.2 of Annex I;(n)1 July 2028 as regards the maximum levels for ergot alkaloids set out in points 1.8.2.1a and 1.8.2.3 of Annex I.2.Food lawfully placed on the market before 1 July 2022 may remain on the market until 31 December 2023 as regards the maximum levels for pyrrolizidine alkaloids set out in point 2.4 of Annex I.3.The burden of proving the date when the products were lawfully placed on the market shall be borne by the food business operator.
Article 11Entry into forceThis Regulation shall enter into force on the twentieth day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.
This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.ANNEX IMaximum levels for certain contaminants in food(1)
1Mycotoxins
1.1AflatoxinsMaximum level (μg/kg)Remarks
B1Sum of B1, B2, G1 and G2M1For the sum of aflatoxins, maximum levels refer to lower bound concentrations, which are calculated on the assumption that all the values below the limit of quantification are zero.
1.1.1Dried fruits to be subjected to sorting or other physical treatment before placing on the market for the final consumer or use as an ingredient in food except products listed in 1.1.35,010,0-
1.1.2Dried fruits used as only ingredient or processed products from dried fruits, placed on the market for the final consumer or use as an ingredient in food except products listed in 1.1.32,04,0-In the case of food consisting of dried fruits used as only ingredient or in the case of processed products consisting at least of 80 % from the dried fruits concerned, the maximum levels as established for the corresponding dried fruits apply also to those products. In other cases, Article 3(1) and (2) apply.
1.1.3Dried figs6,010,0-In the case of food consisting of dried figs used as only ingredient or in the case of processed products consisting at least of 80 % from dried figs, the maximum levels as established for dried figs apply also to those products. In other cases, Article 3(1) and (2) apply.
1.1.4Groundnuts (peanuts) and other oilseeds, to be subjected to sorting or other physical treatment before placing on the market for the final consumer or use as an ingredient in food8,015,0-Except groundnuts (peanuts) and other oilseeds for crushing for refined vegetable oil production.If groundnuts (peanuts) and other oilseeds with inedible shell are analysed, it is assumed, when calculating the aflatoxin content, that all the contamination is on the edible part.
1.1.5Groundnuts (peanuts) and other oilseeds used as only ingredient or processed products from groundnuts (peanuts) and other oilseeds, placed on the market for the final consumer or use as an ingredient in food2,04,0-Except crude vegetable oils destined for refining and refined vegetable oils.If groundnuts (peanuts) and other oilseeds with inedible shell are analysed, it is assumed when calculating the aflatoxin content that all the contamination is on the edible part.In the case of food consisting of groundnuts (peanuts) and other oilseeds used as only ingredient or in the case of processed products consisting at least of 80 % from the groundnuts (peanuts) and other oilseeds concerned, the maximum levels as established for the corresponding groundnuts (peanuts) and other oilseeds apply also to those products. In other cases, Articles 3(1) and (2) apply.
1.1.6Tree nuts to be subjected to sorting or other physical treatment before placing on the market for the final consumer or use as an ingredient in food except products listed in 1.1.8 and 1.1.105,010,0-If tree nuts "in shell" are analysed, it is assumed, when calculating the aflatoxin content, that all the contamination is on the edible part.
1.1.7Tree nuts used as only ingredient or processed products from tree nuts, placed on the market for the final consumer or use as an ingredient in food except products listed in 1.1.9 and 1.1.112,04,0-If tree nuts "in shell" are analysed, it is assumed, when calculating the aflatoxin content, that all the contamination is on the edible part.In the case of food consisting of tree nuts used as only ingredient or in the case of processed products consisting at least of 80 % from the tree nuts concerned, the maximum levels as established for tree nuts apply also to those products. In other cases, Article 3(1) and (2) apply.
1.1.8Almonds, pistachios and apricot kernels to be subjected to sorting or other physical treatment before placing on the market for the final consumer or use as an ingredient in food12,015,0-If tree nuts "in shell" are analysed, it is assumed, when calculating the aflatoxin content, that all the contamination is on the edible part.
1.1.9Almonds, pistachios and apricot kernels, placed on the market for the final consumer or use as an ingredient in food8,010,0-If tree nuts "in shell" are analysed, it is assumed, when calculating the aflatoxin content, that all the contamination is on the edible part.In the case of food consisting of almonds, pistachios and apricot kernels used as only ingredient or in the case of processed products consisting at least of 80 % from the tree nuts concerned, the maximum levels as established for the corresponding tree nuts apply also to those products. In other cases, Article 3(1) and (2) apply.
1.1.10Hazelnuts and Brazil nuts, to be subjected to sorting or other physical treatment before placing on the market for the final consumer or use as an ingredient in food8,015,0-If hazelnuts "in shell" are analysed, it is assumed, when calculating the aflatoxin content, that all the contamination is on the edible part.
1.1.11Hazelnuts and Brazil nuts, placed on the market for the final consumer or use as an ingredient in food5,010,0-If hazelnuts "in shell" are analysed, it is assumed, when calculating the aflatoxin content, that all the contamination is on the edible part.In the case of food consisting of hazelnuts and Brazil nuts used as only ingredient or in the case of processed products consisting at least of 80 % from the tree nuts concerned, the maximum levels as established for the corresponding tree nuts apply also to those products. In other cases, Article 3(1) and (2) apply.
1.1.12Cereals and products derived from cereals except products listed in 1.1.13, 1.1.18 and 1.1.192,04,0-Including processed cereal products.Products derived from cereals relate to products containing at least 80 % cereal products.
1.1.13Maize and rice to be subjected to sorting or other physical treatment before placing on the market for the final consumer or use as an ingredient in food5,010,0-
1.1.14Following dried spices:Capsicum spp. (dried fruits thereof, whole or ground, including chillies, chilli powder, cayenne or paprika)Pepper (fruits of Piper spp, including white and black pepper)Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans)Turmeric (Curcuma longa)Mixtures of dried spices containing one or more of the abovementioned dried spices5,010,0-
1.1.15Ginger (Zingiber officinale) (dried)5,010,0-
1.1.16Raw milk(2), heat-treated milk and milk for the manufacture of milk-based products--0,050
1.1.17Infant formulae, follow-on formulae(3) and young-child formulae(4)--0,025The maximum level applies to the products ready to use (placed on the market as such or after reconstitution as instructed by the manufacturer).
1.1.18Baby food and processed cereal-based food for infants and young children(3)0,10--The maximum level applies to the dry matter(5) of the product as placed on the market.
1.1.19Food for special medical purposes intended for infants and young children(3)0,10-0,025The maximum level applies in the case of milk, milk products and similar products to the products ready to use (placed on the market as such or after reconstitution as instructed by the manufacturer) and in the case of products other than milk, milk products and similar products to the dry matter(5).
1.2Ochratoxin AMaximum level (μg/kg)Remarks
1.2.1Dried fruits
1.2.1.1Dried vine fruits (currants, raisins and sultanas) and dried figs8,0
1.2.1.2Other dried fruits2,0
1.2.2Date syrup15
1.2.3Pistachios to be subjected to sorting or other physical treatment before placing on the market for final consumer or use as an ingredient in food10,0If tree nuts "in shell" are analysed, it is assumed, when calculating the ochratoxin A content, that all the contamination is on the edible part.
1.2.4Pistachios placed on the market for final consumer or use as ingredient in foods5,0If tree nuts "in shell" are analysed, it is assumed, when calculating the ochratoxin A content, that all the contamination is on the edible part.
1.2.5Dried herbs10,0
1.2.6Ginger roots (dried) for use in herbal infusions15
1.2.7Marshmallow roots (dried), dandelion roots (dried) and orange blossoms (dried) for use in herbal infusions or in coffee substitutes20
1.2.8Sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, (water) melon seeds, hempseeds, soybeans5,0
1.2.9Unprocessed cereal grains5,0The maximum level applies to unprocessed cereal grains (in case of oats, grains with husk) placed on the market for first-stage processing (6).
1.2.10Cereals placed on the market for the final consumerProducts derived from unprocessed cereal grains except products listed in 1.2.11, 1.2.12, 1.2.13, 1.2.23 and 1.2.243,0Including processed cereal products.Products derived from unprocessed cereal grains relate to products containing at least 80 % cereal products.
1.2.11Bakery wares, cereal snacks and breakfast cereals
1.2.11.1products not containing oilseeds, nuts or dried fruits2,0
1.2.11.2products containing at least 20 % dried vine fruits and/or dried figs4,0
1.2.11.3other products containing oilseeds, nuts and/or dried fruits3,0
1.2.12Non-alcoholic malt beverages3,0
1.2.13Wheat gluten not placed on the market for the final consumer8,0
1.2.14Roasted coffee beans and ground roasted coffee except products listed in 1.2.153,0
1.2.15Soluble coffee (instant coffee)5,0
1.2.16Cocoa powder3,0
1.2.17Dried spices except products listed in 1.2.1815The maximum level applies also to mixtures of dried spices.
1.2.18Capsicum spp. (dried fruits thereof, whole or ground, including chillies, chilli powder, cayenne or paprika)20
1.2.19Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra, Glycyrrhiza inflata and other species)
1.2.19.1Liquorice root (dried), including as an ingredient in herbal infusions20
1.2.19.2Liquorice extract for use in food in particular beverages and confectionary80The maximum level applies to the pure and undiluted extract, whereby 1 kg of extract is obtained from 3 to 4 kg liquorice root.
1.2.19.3Liquorice confectionery containing ≥ 97 % liquorice extract on dry basis50
1.2.19.4Other liquorice confectionery10,0
1.2.20Wine(7) and fruit wine2,0Including semi-sparkling and sparkling wines, excluding liqueur wine and wine with an alcoholic strength of not less than 15 % vol.The maximum level applies to products produced from the 2005 harvest onwards.
1.2.21Aromatised wine, aromatised wine-based drinks and aromatised wine-product cocktails(8)2,0The maximum level applies to products produced from the 2005 harvest onwards.The maximum level applicable to these beverages is function of the proportion of wine and/or grape must present in the finished product.
1.2.22Grape juice, grape juice from concentrate, concentrated grape juice, grape nectar, grape must and concentrated grape must, placed on the market for the final consumer(9)2,0For concentrated grape juice or concentrated grape must, the maximum level applies to juice or must as reconstituted.The maximum level applies to products produced from the 2005 harvest onwards.
1.2.23Baby food and processed cereal-based food for infants and young children(3)0,50The maximum level applies to the dry matter(5) of the product as placed on the market.
1.2.24Food for special medical purposes intended for infants and young children(3)0,50The maximum level applies in the case of milk, milk products and similar products to the products ready to use (placed on the market as such or reconstituted as instructed by the manufacturer) and in the case of products other than milk, milk products and similar products to the dry matter(5).
1.3PatulinMaximum level (μg/kg)Remarks
1.3.1Fruit juices, fruit juices from concentrate, concentrated fruit juices and fruit nectars(9)50For concentrated fruit juice, the maximum level applies to juice as reconstituted.
1.3.2Spirit drinks(10), cider and other fermented drinks derived from apples or containing apple juice50
1.3.3Solid apple products placed on the market for the final consumer except products listed in 1.3.4 and 1.3.525Including apple compote and apple puree.
1.3.4Apple juice and solid apple products for infants and young children(3) and labelled and placed on the market as such10,0Including apple compote and apple puree.The maximum level applies to the products ready to use (placed on the market as such or after reconstitution as instructed by the manufacturer).
1.3.5Baby food(3)10,0The maximum level applies to the products ready to use (placed on the market as such or after reconstitution as instructed by the manufacturer).
1.4DeoxynivalenolMaximum level (μg/kg)Remarks
1.4.1Unprocessed cereal grains except products listed in 1.4.2 and 1.4.31000Except unprocessed maize grains intended to be processed by wet milling and except rice.The maximum level applies to unprocessed cereal grains placed on the market for first-stage processing (6).
1.4.2Unprocessed durum wheat grains and unprocessed maize grains1500Except unprocessed maize grains for which it is evident e.g. through labelling or, destination, that they are intended for use in a wet milling process only (starch production).The maximum level applies to unprocessed durum wheat grains and unprocessed maize grains placed on the market for first-stage processing (6).
1.4.3Unprocessed oat grains with inedible husk1750The maximum level applies to unprocessed oat grains with husk placed on the market for first-stage processing (6).The maximum level applies to the oat grains with the inedible husk included.
1.4.4Cereals placed on the market for the final consumer, maize for popping and popcorn750Except rice.
1.4.5Milling products of cereals with the exception of products listed in 1.4.6600Except milling products of rice.
1.4.6Milling products of maize
1.4.6.1Milling products of maize placed on the market for the final consumer750
1.4.6.2Milling products of maize not placed on the market for the final consumer1000
1.4.6.3Pre-cooked polenta ready to eat250
1.4.7Bakery wares, cereal snacks and breakfast cereals400Except rice products (products of which rice or processed products from rice are the only cereal ingredients).Including small bakery wares.
1.4.8Pasta600Pasta means pasta (dry) with a water content of approximately 12 %.
1.4.9Baby food and processed cereal-based food for infants and young children (3)150Except rice products (products of which rice or processed products from rice are the only cereal ingredients).The maximum level applies to the dry matter (5) of the product as placed on the market.
1.4.10Food for special medical purposes intended for infants and young children (3)150Except rice products (products of which rice or processed products from rice are the only cereal ingredients).The maximum level applies to the dry matter (5) of the product as placed on the market.
1.5ZearalenoneMaximum level (μg/kg)Remarks
1.5.1Unprocessed cereal grains except products listed in 1.5.2100Except unprocessed maize grains intended to be processed by wet milling and except rice.The maximum level applies to unprocessed cereal grains (in case of oats, grains with husk) placed on the market for first-stage processing (6).
1.5.2Unprocessed maize grains350Except unprocessed maize grains for which it is evident, e.g. through their labelling or destination, that they are intended for use in a wet milling process only (starch production).The maximum level applies to unprocessed maize grains placed on the market for first-stage processing (6).
1.5.3Cereals, bran and germ placed on the market for the final consumerCereal flour and semolinaExcept products listed in 1.5.5, 1.5.6 and 1.5.875Except rice and rice products (products of which rice or processed products from rice are the only cereal ingredients).
1.5.4Bread, pastries, biscuits, cereal snacks and breakfast cereals except products listed in 1.5.550Except rice products (products of which rice or processed products from rice are the only cereal ingredients).Includes small bakery wares.
1.5.5Maize placed on the market for the final consumerMaize-based snacks and maize-based breakfast cereals100
1.5.6Milling products of maize not placed on the market for the final consumer
1.5.6.1Maize flour not placed on the market for the final consumer300At least 90 %, measured by weight, of the particles in the milling product have a size ≤ 500 μm.
1.5.6.2Other milling products of maize not placed on the market for the final consumer200Less than 90 %, measured by weight, of the particles in the milling product have a size ≤ 500 μm.
1.5.7Refined maize oil400
1.5.8Baby food and processed cereal-based food for infants and young children (3)20Except rice products (products of which rice or processed products from rice are the only cereal ingredients).The maximum level applies to the dry matter (5) of the product as placed on the market.
1.6FumonisinsMaximum level (μg/kg)Remarks
Sum of B1 and B2For the fumonisins, maximum levels refer to lower bound concentrations, which are calculated on the assumption that all the values below the limit of quantification are zero.
1.6.1Unprocessed maize grains4000Except unprocessed maize grains for which it is evident, e.g. through their labelling or destination, that they are intended for use in a wet milling process only (starch production).The maximum level applies to unprocessed maize grains placed on the market for first-stage processing (6).
1.6.2Maize placed on the market for the final consumer, milling products of maize placed on the market for the final consumer, maize-based food placed on the market for the final consumer except products listed in 1.6.3 and 1.6.51000
1.6.3Maize-based breakfast cereals and maize-based snacks800
1.6.4Milling products of maize not placed on the market for the final consumer
1.6.4.1Maize flour not placed on the market for the final consumer2000At least 90 %, measured by weight, of the particles in the milling product have a size ≤ 500 μm.
1.6.4.2Other milling products of maize not placed on the market for the final consumer1400Less than 90 %, measured by weight, of the particles in the milling product have a size ≤ 500 μm.
1.6.5Baby food containing maize and processed maize-based food for infants and young children(3)200The maximum level applies to the dry matter(5) of the product as placed on the market.
1.7CitrininMaximum level (μg/kg)Remarks
1.7.1Food supplements based on rice fermented with red yeast Monascus purpureus100
1.8Ergot sclerotia and ergot alkaloids
1.8.1Ergot sclerotiaMaximum level (g/kg)Remarks
The maximum level applies to unprocessed cereal grains placed on the market for first-stage processing (6).In case scouring (6) is applied in the presence of ergot sclerotia, the cereals shall first undergo a cleaning step before scouring.
1.8.1.1Unprocessed cereal grains except products listed in 1.8.1.20,2Except maize and rice.
1.8.1.2Unprocessed rye grains0,50,2 as from 1 July 2025
1.8.2Ergot alkaloidsMaximum level (μg/kg)Remarks
Lower bound sum ofergocornine/ergocorninine; ergocristine/ergocristinine; ergocryptine/ergocryptinine (α- and β-form); ergometrine/ergometrinine; ergosine/ergosinine; ergotamine/ergotaminineFor the ergot alkaloids, maximum levels refer to lower bound concentrations, which are calculated on the assumption that all the values below the limit of quantification are zero.
1.8.2.1Milling products of barley, spelt and oats (with an ash content lower than 900 mg/100 g dry matter)10050 as from 1 July 2024
1.8.2.1aMilling products of wheat (with an ash content lower than 900 mg/100 g dry matter)10050 as from 1 July 2028
1.8.2.2Milling products of barley, wheat, spelt and oats (with an ash content equal or higher than 900mg/100g dry matter)Barley, wheat, spelt and oats grains placed on the market for the final consumer150
1.8.2.3Rye milling productsRye placed on the market for the final consumer500250 as from 1 July 2028
1.8.2.4Wheat gluten400
1.8.2.5Processed cereal-based food for infants and young children(3)20The maximum level applies to the product as placed on the market.
1.9T-2 and HT-2 toxinsMaximum level (μg/kg)Remarks
Sum of T-2 and HT-2 toxinsFor the sum of T-2 and HT-2 toxins, maximum levels refer to lower bound concentrations, which are calculated on the assumption that all the values below the limit of quantification are zero.
1.9.1Unprocessed cereal grains except products listed in 1.9.1.1, 1.9.1.2, 1.9.1.3 and 1.9.1.450Except unprocessed maize grains intended to be processed by wet milling and except rice.The maximum level applies to unprocessed cereal grains placed on the market for first-stage processing (6).
1.9.1.1Unprocessed malting barley grains200The maximum level applies to unprocessed malting barley grains placed on the market for first-stage processing (6).
1.9.1.2Unprocessed barley grains other than malting barley grains150The maximum level applies to unprocessed barley grains placed on the market for first-stage processing (6).
1.9.1.3Unprocessed maize grains and unprocessed durum wheat grains100Except unprocessed maize grains for which it is evident, e.g. through labelling or destination, that they are intended for use in a wet milling process only (starch production).The maximum level applies to unprocessed maize grains and unprocessed durum wheat grains placed on the market for first-stage processing (6).
1.9.1.4Unprocessed oat grains with inedible husk1250The maximum level applies to unprocessed oat grains with husk placed on the market for first-stage processing (6).The maximum level applies to the oat grains with the inedible husk included.
1.9.2Cereals placed on the market for the final consumer except products listed in 1.9.2.1 and 1.9.2.220Except rice.
1.9.2.1Oats placed on the market for the final consumer100
1.9.2.2Barley, maize and durum wheat placed on the market for the final consumer50
1.9.3Milling products of cereals except products listed in 1.9.3.1 and 1.9.3.220Except milling products of rice.
1.9.3.1Milling products of oats (including oat bran)100
1.9.3.2Bran from cereals other than oats and milling products of maize50
1.9.4Bakery wares except products listed in 1.9.5, pasta, cereal snacks and breakfast cereals except products listed in 1.9.6, 1.9.7 and 1.9.820Except rice products (products of which rice or processed products from rice are the only cereal ingredients).Including small bakery wares.Pasta means pasta (dry) with a water content of approximately 12 %.
1.9.5Bakery wares containing at least 75 % milling products of oats100Including small bakery wares.
1.9.6Oat flakes100
1.9.7Breakfast cereals consisting of at least 50 % of cereal bran, milling products of oat grains, milling products of maize grains, whole oat grains, barley grains, maize grains or durum wheat grains, and consisting of less than 40 % of milling products of oat grains and whole oat grains50
1.9.8Breakfast cereals consisting of at least 50 % of cereal bran, milling products of oat grains, milling products of maize grains, whole oat grains, barley grains, maize grains or durum wheat grains, and of at least 40 % of milling products of oat grains and whole oat grains75
1.9.9Baby food and processed cereal-based food for infants and young children (3)10Except rice products (products of which rice or processed products from rice are the only cereal ingredients).The maximum level applies to the dry matter (5) of the product as placed on the market.
1.9.10Food for special medical purposes intended for infants and young children (3)10Except rice products (products of which rice or processed products from rice are the only cereal ingredients).The maximum level applies to the dry matter (5) of the product as placed on the market.
2Plant toxins
2.1Erucic acid, including erucic acid bound in fatMaximum level (g/kg)Remarks
2.1.1Vegetable oils and fats placed on the market for the final consumer or for use as an ingredient in food except products listed in 2.1.220,0
2.1.2Camelina oil, mustard oil and borage oil50,0With acceptance from the competent authority, the maximum level does not apply to mustard oil locally produced and consumed.
2.1.3Mustard (condiment)35,0
2.2Tropane alkaloidsMaximum level (μg/kg)Remarks
AtropineScopolamine
2.2.1Baby food and processed cereal-based food for infants and young children (3), containing millet, sorghum, buckwheat, maize or their derived products1,01,0Derived products relate to products containing at least 80 % these cereal products.The maximum level applies to the product as placed on the market.
2.2.2Unprocessed millet grains and sorghum grains5,0The maximum level applies to unprocessed cereal grains placed on the market for first-stage processing (6).
2.2.3Unprocessed maize grains15Except unprocessed maize grains for which it is evident, e.g. through their labelling or destination, that they are intended for use in a wet milling process only (starch production) and except unprocessed maize grains for popping.The maximum level applies to unprocessed maize grains placed on the market for first-stage processing (6).
2.2.4Unprocessed buckwheat grains10The maximum level applies to unprocessed buckwheat grains placed on the market for first-stage processing (6).
2.2.5Maize for poppingMillet, sorghum and maize placed on the market for the final consumerMilling products of millet, sorghum and maize5,0
2.2.6Buckwheat placed on the market for the final consumerMilling products of buckwheat10
2.2.7Herbal infusions (dried product) and ingredients used for herbal infusions (dried products) except products listed in 2.2.825"Herbal infusions (dried product)" refers to:herbal infusions (dried product) from flowers, leaves, stalks, roots, and any other parts of the plant (in sachets or in bulk) used for the preparation of herbal infusion (liquid product); andinstant herbal infusions. In the case of powdered extracts, a concentration factor of 4 has to be applied.
2.2.8Herbal infusions (dried product) and ingredients used for herbal infusions (dried products) of exclusively anise seeds50"Herbal infusions (dried product)" refers to:herbal infusions (dried product) from flowers, leaves, stalks, roots, and any other parts of the plant (in sachets or in bulk) used for the preparation of herbal infusion (liquid product); andinstant herbal infusions. In the case of powdered extracts, a concentration factor of 4 has to be applied.
2.2.9Herbal infusions (liquid product)0,20
2.3Hydrocyanic acid, including hydrocyanic acid bound in cyanogenic glycosidesMaximum level (mg/kg)Remarks
2.3.1Unprocessed whole, ground, milled, cracked, chopped linseed not placed on the market for the final consumer250The maximum level does not apply to oilseeds for crushing for refined vegetable oil production, provided that the remaining pressed oilseeds are not placed on the market as food. In case the remaining pressed oilseeds are placed on the market as food, the maximum level applies taking into account Article 3(1) and (2).
2.3.2Whole, ground, milled, cracked, chopped linseed placed on the market for the final consumer150The maximum level does not apply to whole, ground, milled, cracked, chopped linseed placed on the market for the final consumer in small quantities where the warning "Only to be used for cooking and baking. Do not consume raw!" appears in the principal field of vision of the label (using the specific font size (11)). The whole, ground, milled, cracked, chopped linseed with the warning message shall comply with the maximum level provided for in 2.3.1.
2.3.3Unprocessed whole, ground, milled, cracked, chopped almonds placed on the market for the final consumer35The maximum level does not apply to unprocessed whole, ground, milled, cracked, chopped bitter almonds placed on the market for the final consumer in small quantities where the warning "Only to be used for cooking and baking. Do not consume raw!" appears in the principal field of vision of the label (using the specific font size(11)).
2.3.4Unprocessed whole, ground, milled, cracked, chopped apricot kernels placed on the market for the final consumer20,0The operator who places unprocessed whole, ground, milled, cracked, chopped apricot kernels on the market for the final consumer shall provide upon request from the competent authority evidence of compliance of the marketed product with the maximum level.
2.3.5Cassava root (fresh, peeled)50,0
2.3.6Cassava flour and tapioca flour10,0
2.4Pyrrolizidine alkaloidsMaximum level (μg/kg)Remarks
The maximum level refers to the lower bound sum of the following 21 pyrrolizidine alkaloids:intermedine/lycopsamine, intermedine-N-oxide/lycopsamine-N-oxide, senecionine/senecivernine, senecionine-N-oxide/senecivernine-N-oxide, seneciphylline, seneciphylline-N-oxide, retrorsine, retrorsine-N-oxide, echimidine, echimidine-N-oxide, lasiocarpine, lasiocarpine-N-oxide, senkirkine, europine, europine-N-oxide, heliotrine and heliotrine-N-oxideand the following additional 14 pyrrolizidine alkaloids known to co-elute with one or more of the above identified 21 pyrrolizidine alkaloids, making use of certain currently used analytical methods:indicine, echinatine, rinderine (possible co-elution with lycopsamine/intermedine), indicine-N-oxide, echinatine-N-oxide, rinderine-N-oxide (possible co-elution with lycopsamine-N-oxide/intermedine-N-oxide), integerrimine (possible co-elution with senecivernine/senecionine), integerrimine-N-oxide (possible co-elution with senecivernine-N-oxide/senecionine-N-oxide), heliosupine (possible co-elution with echimidine), heliosupine-N-oxide (possible co-elution with echimidine-N-oxide), spartioidine (possible co-elution with seneciphylline), spartioidine-N-oxide (possible co-elution with seneciphylline-N-oxide), usaramine (possible co-elution with retrorsine), usaramine N-oxide (possible co-elution with retrorsine N-oxide).Pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can be individually and separately identified with the used method of analysis, shall be quantified and included in the sum.For the pyrrolizidine alkaloids, maximum levels refer to lower bound concentrations, which are calculated on the assumption that all the values below the limit of quantification are zero.
2.4.1Borage leaves (fresh, frozen) placed on the market for the final consumer750Without prejudice to more restrictive national rules in certain Member States on the placing of the market of pyrrolizidine alkaloid containing plants.
2.4.2Dried herbs except products listed in 2.4.3400Without prejudice to more restrictive national rules in certain Member States on the placing of the market of pyrrolizidine alkaloid containing plants.
2.4.3Borage, lovage, marjoram and oregano (dried product) and mixtures exclusively composed of these dried herbs1000Without prejudice to more restrictive national rules in certain Member States on the placing of the market of pyrrolizidine alkaloid containing plants.
2.4.4Tea (Camellia sinensis) and flavoured tea(12) (Camellia sinensis) (dried product) except tea and flavoured tea referred to in 2.4.5150For teas with dried fruits and dried herbs, Article 3 applies."Tea (Camellia sinensis) (dried product)" refers to:tea (Camellia sinensis) (dried product) from dried leaves, stalks and flowers (in sachets or in bulk) used for the preparation of tea (liquid product); andinstant teas. In the case of powdered tea extracts, a concentration factor of 4 has to be applied.
2.4.5Tea (Camellia sinensis), flavoured tea(12) (Camellia sinensis) and herbal infusions (dried product) and ingredients used for herbal infusions (dried products) for infants and young children75For teas with dried fruits and dried herbs, Article 3 applies.
2.4.6Tea (Camellia sinensis), flavoured tea(12) (Camellia sinensis) and herbal infusions (liquid product) for infants and young children1,0For teas with dried fruits and dried herbs, Article 3 applies.
2.4.7Herbal infusions (dried product) and ingredients used for herbal infusions (dried products) except products listed in 2.4.5 and 2.4.8200"Herbal infusions (dried product)" refers to:herbal infusions (dried product) from flowers, leaves, stalks, roots, and any other parts of the plant (in sachets or in bulk) used for the preparation of herbal infusion (liquid product); andinstant herbal infusions. In the case of powdered extracts, a concentration factor of 4 has to be applied.Without prejudice to more restrictive national rules in certain Member States on the placing of the market of pyrrolizidine alkaloid containing plants.
2.4.8Herbal infusions (dried product) and ingredients used for herbal infusions (dried products) of rooibos, anise (Pimpinella anisum), lemon balm, chamomile, thyme, peppermint, lemon verbena and mixtures exclusively composed of these dried herbs except herbal infusions referred to in 2.4.5400"Herbal infusions (dried product)" refers to:herbal infusions (dried product) from flowers, leaves, stalks, roots, and any other parts of the plant (in sachets or in bulk) used for the preparation of herbal infusion (liquid product); andto instant herbal infusions. In the case of powdered extracts, a concentration factor of 4 has to be applied.
2.4.9Cumin400
2.4.10Food supplements containing botanical preparation(13) including extracts except products listed in 2.4.11400The maximum level applies to the food supplements as placed on the market.Without prejudice to more restrictive national rules in certain Member States on the placing of the market of pyrrolizidine alkaloid containing plants.
2.4.11Pollen based food supplementsPollen and pollen products500The maximum level applies to the food supplements as placed on the market.
2.5Opium alkaloidsMaximum level (mg/kg)Remarks
For the opium alkaloids, maximum levels refer to lower bound concentrations, which are calculated on the assumption that all the values below the limit of quantification are zero.The maximum level refers to the sum of morphine and codeine, for which a factor of 0,2 is applied to the level of codeine. Therefore, the maximum level refers to the sum of morphine + 0,2 × codeine.
2.5.1Whole, ground or milled poppy seeds placed on the market for the final consumer20
2.5.2Bakery products containing poppy seeds or processed products thereof1,50Bakery products include also flour-based ready-to-eat savouries and snacks.Processed products thereof relate to products containing at least 80 % poppy seed products.The food business operator supplying the poppy seeds to the food business operator manufacturing the bakery products shall provide the necessary information to enable the manufacturer of the bakery products to place products on the market that comply with the maximum level. This information shall include analytical data, where appropriate.
2.6Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) equivalentsMaximum level (mg/kg)Remarks
For delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) equivalents, maximum levels refer to lower bound concentrations, which are calculated on the assumption that all the values below the limit of quantification are zero.The maximum level refers to the sum of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (Δ9-THCA), expressed as Δ9-THC.A factor of 0,877 is applied to the level of Δ9-THCA and the maximum level refers to the sum of Δ9-THC + 0,877 × Δ9-THCA (in case of a separate determination and quantification of Δ9-THC and Δ9-THCA).
2.6.1Hemp seeds3,0
2.6.2Ground hemp seeds, (partially) defatted hemp seed and other hemp seed processed products except products listed in 2.6.33,0Hemp seed processed products are products processed exclusively from hemp seeds.
2.6.3Hemp seed oil7,5
3Metals and other elements
3.1LeadMaximum level (mg/kg)Remarks
3.1.1FruitsThe maximum level applies to the wet weight.The maximum level applies after washing and separating the edible part.
3.1.1.1Cranberries, currants, elderberries and strawberry tree fruits0,20
3.1.1.2Fruits other than cranberries, currants, elderberries and strawberry tree fruits0,10
3.1.2Root and tuber vegetablesThe maximum level applies to the wet weight.The maximum level applies after washing and separating the edible part.
3.1.2.1Root and tuber vegetables except products listed in 3.1.2.2 and 3.1.2.30,10For potatoes, the maximum level applies to peeled potatoes.
3.1.2.2Fresh ginger, fresh turmeric0,80
3.1.2.3Salsify0,30
3.1.3Bulb vegetables0,10The maximum level applies to the wet weight.The maximum level applies after washing and separating the edible part.
3.1.4Fruiting vegetablesThe maximum level applies to the wet weight.The maximum level applies after washing and separating the edible part.
3.1.4.1Fruiting vegetables except products listed in 3.1.4.20,050
3.1.4.2Sweetcorn0,10
3.1.5Brassica vegetablesThe maximum level applies to the wet weight.The maximum level applies after washing and separating the edible part.
3.1.5.1Brassica vegetables other than those listed in 3.1.5.20,10
3.1.5.2Leafy brassica0,30
3.1.6Leaf vegetables excluding fresh herbs and edible flowers0,30The maximum level applies to the wet weight.The maximum level applies after washing and separating the edible part.
3.1.7Legume vegetables0,10The maximum level applies to the wet weight.The maximum level applies after washing and separating the edible part.
3.1.8Stem vegetables0,10The maximum level applies to the wet weight.The maximum level applies after washing and separating the edible part.
3.1.9FungiThe maximum level applies to the wet weight.The maximum level applies after washing and separating the edible part.
3.1.9.1The following cultivated fungi:Common mushroom (Agaricus bisporus)Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus)Shiitake mushroom (Lentinula edodes)0,30
3.1.9.2Wild fungi0,80
3.1.10Pulses0,20
3.1.11Cereals0,20
3.1.12Dried spices
3.1.12.1Seed spices0,90
3.1.12.2Fruit spices0,60
3.1.12.3Bark spices2,0
3.1.12.4Root and rhizome spices1,50
3.1.12.5Bud spices1,0
3.1.12.6Flower pistil spices1,0
3.1.13Meat of bovine animals, sheep, pig and poultry(2) except products listed in 3.1.140,10The maximum level applies to the wet weight.
3.1.14Offal(2)The maximum level applies to the wet weight.
3.1.14.1of bovine animals and sheep0,20
3.1.14.2of pig0,15
3.1.14.3of poultry0,10
3.1.15Fishery products(2) and bivalve molluscs(2)The maximum level applies to the wet weight.
3.1.15.1Muscle meat of fish0,30Where fish are intended to be eaten whole, the maximum level applies to the whole fish.In case of dried, diluted, processed and/or compound food, Article 3(1) and (2) apply.
3.1.15.2Cephalopods0,30The maximum level applies to the animal without viscera.
3.1.15.3Crustaceans0,50The maximum level applies to muscle meat from appendages and abdomen, which means, that the cephalothorax of crustaceans is excluded. In case of crabs and crab-like crustaceans (Brachyura and Anomura), the maximum level applies to the muscle meat from appendages.In case of dried, diluted, processed and/or compound food, Article 3(1) and (2) apply.
3.1.15.4Bivalve molluscs1,50In case of Pecten maximus, the maximum level applies to the adductor muscle and gonad only.In case of dried, diluted, processed and/or compound food, Article 3(1) and (2) apply.
3.1.16Raw milk(2), heat-treated milk and milk for the manufacture of milk-based products0,020The maximum level applies to the wet weight.
3.1.17Honey0,10
3.1.18Fats and oils0,10Including milk fat.
3.1.19Fruit juices, fruit juices from concentrate, concentrated fruit juices and fruit nectars(9)The maximum level applies to the wet weight.For concentrated fruit juice, the maximum level applies to the reconstituted juice.
3.1.19.1exclusively from berries and other small fruits0,05
3.1.19.2other than exclusively from berries and other small fruits, including mixtures0,03
3.1.20Wine(7), cider, perry and fruit wineThe maximum level applies to the wet weight.Including semi-sparkling and sparkling wines, excluding liqueur wine and wine with an alcoholic strength of not less than 15 % vol.
3.1.20.1products produced from the 2001 fruit harvest to the 2015 fruit harvest0,20
3.1.20.2products produced from the 2016 fruit harvest to the 2021 fruit harvest0,15
3.1.20.3products produced from the 2022 fruit harvest onwards0,10
3.1.21Aromatised wine, aromatised wine-based drinks and aromatised wine-product cocktails(8)The maximum level applies to the wet weight.
3.1.21.1products produced from the 2001 fruit harvest to the 2015 fruit harvest0,20
3.1.21.2products produced from the 2016 fruit harvest to the 2021 fruit harvest0,15
3.1.21.3products produced from the 2022 fruit harvest onwards0,10
3.1.22Liqueur wine made from grapes(7)The maximum level applies to the wet weight.
3.1.22.1products produced from the 2022 fruit harvest onwards0,15
3.1.23Salts
3.1.23.1Salts except products listed in 3.1.23.21,0
3.1.23.2The following unrefined salts: "fleur de sel" and "grey salt" which are manually harvested from salt marshes with a clay bottom2,0
3.1.24Infant formulae, follow-on formulae(3) and young-child formulae(4)The maximum level applies to the product as placed on the market.
3.1.24.1placed on the market as powder0,020
3.1.24.2placed on the market as liquid0,010
3.1.25Drinks for infants and young children placed on the market and labelled as such except products listed in 3.1.24 and 3.1.27
3.1.25.1placed on the market as liquid or to be reconstituted following instructions of the manufacturer0,020Including fruit juices.The maximum level applies to the products ready to use.
3.1.25.2to be prepared by infusion or decoction0,50The maximum level applies to the product as placed on the market.
3.1.26Baby food and processed cereal-based food for infants and young children(3) except products listed in 3.1.250,020The maximum level applies to the product as placed on the market.
3.1.27Food for special medical purposes intended for infants and young children(3)The maximum level applies to the product as placed on the market.
3.1.27.1placed on the market as powder0,020
3.1.27.2placed on the market as liquid0,010
3.1.28Food supplements3,0
3.2CadmiumMaximum level (mg/kg)Remarks
3.2.1Fruits and tree nutsThe maximum level applies to the wet weight.The maximum level applies after washing and separating the edible part.
3.2.1.1Fruits except products listed in 3.2.1.2, 3.2.1.3 and 3.2.1.40,050
3.2.1.2Citrus fruits, pome fruits, stone fruits, table olives, kiwi fruits, bananas, mangoes, papayas and pineapples0,020
3.2.1.3Berries and small fruits, except products listed in 3.2.1.40,030
3.2.1.4Raspberries0,040
3.2.1.5Tree nutsThe maximum levels do not apply to tree nuts for crushing and oil refining, provided that the remaining pressed tree nuts are not placed on the market as food. In case the remaining pressed tree nuts are placed on the market as food, the maximum levels apply, taking into account Article 3(1) and (2).
3.2.1.5.1Tree nuts except products listed in 3.2.1.5.20,20
3.2.1.5.2Pine nuts0,30
3.2.2Root and tuber vegetablesThe maximum level applies to the wet weight.The maximum level applies after washing and separating the edible part.
3.2.2.1Root and tuber vegetables except products listed in 3.2.2.2, 3.2.2.3, 3.2.2.4, 3.2.2.5, 3.2.2.6 and 3.2.2.70,10For potatoes, the maximum level applies to peeled potatoes.
3.2.2.2Beetroots0,060
3.2.2.3Celeriac0,15
3.2.2.4Horseradish, parsnips, salsify0,20
3.2.2.5Radishes other than tiger nuts0,020
3.2.2.6Tiger nuts0,10
3.2.2.7Tropical roots and tubers, parsley roots, turnips0,050
3.2.3Bulb vegetablesThe maximum level applies to the wet weight.The maximum level applies after washing and separating the edible part.
3.2.3.1Bulb vegetables except products listed in 3.2.3.20,030
3.2.3.2Garlic0,050
3.2.4Fruiting vegetablesThe maximum level applies to the wet weight.The maximum level applies after washing and separating the edible part.
3.2.4.1Fruiting vegetables except products listed in 3.2.4.20,020
3.2.4.2Aubergines0,030
3.2.5Brassica vegetablesThe maximum level applies to the wet weight.The maximum level applies after washing and separating the edible part.
3.2.5.1Brassica except products listed in 3.2.5.20,040
3.2.5.2Leafy brassica0,10
3.2.6Leaf vegetables and herbsThe maximum level applies to the wet weight.The maximum level applies after washing and separating the edible part.
3.2.6.1Leaf vegetables except products listed in 3.2.6.20,10
3.2.6.2Spinaches and similar leaves, mustard seedlings and fresh herbs0,20
3.2.7Legume vegetables0,020The maximum level applies to the wet weight.The maximum level applies after washing and separating the edible part.
3.2.8Stem vegetablesThe maximum level applies to the wet weight.The maximum level applies after washing and separating the edible part.
3.2.8.1Stem vegetables except products listed in 3.2.8.2 and 3.2.8.30,030
3.2.8.2Celeries0,10
3.2.8.3Leeks0,040
3.2.9FungiThe maximum level applies to the wet weight.The maximum level applies after washing and separating the edible part.
3.2.9.1Agaricus bisporus0,050
3.2.9.2Cultivated fungi other than Agaricus bisporus0,15
3.2.9.3Wild fungi0,50
3.2.10Pulses and proteins from pulses
3.2.10.1Pulses except products listed in 3.2.10.20,040
3.2.10.2Proteins from pulses0,10
3.2.11OilseedsThe maximum levels do not apply to oilseeds for crushing and oil refining, provided that the remaining pressed oilseeds are not placed on the market as food. In case the remaining pressed oilseeds are placed on the market as food, the maximum levels apply, taking into account Article 3(1) and (2).
3.2.11.1Oilseeds except products listed in 3.2.11.2, 3.2.11.3, 3.2.11.4, 3.2.11.5 and 3.2.11.60,10
3.2.11.2Rape seeds0,15
3.2.11.3Peanuts and soy beans0,20
3.2.11.4Mustard seeds0,30
3.2.11.5Linseeds and sunflower seeds0,50
3.2.11.6Poppy seeds1,20
3.2.12CerealsThe maximum levels do not apply to cereals used for the production of beer or distillates, provided that the remaining cereal residue is not placed on the market as food. In case the remaining cereal residue is placed on the market as food, the maximum levels apply, taking into account Article 3(1) and (2).
3.2.12.1Cereals except products listed in 3.2.12.2, 3.2.12.3, 3.2.12.4 and 3.2.12.50,10
3.2.12.2Barley and rye0,050
3.2.12.3Rice, quinoa, wheat bran and wheat gluten0,15
3.2.12.4Durum wheat (Triticum durum)0,18
3.2.12.5Wheat germ0,20
3.2.13Products of animal origin(2)The maximum level applies to the wet weight.
3.2.13.1Meat of bovine animals, sheep, pig and poultry0,050Except offal.
3.2.13.2Horsemeat0,20Except offal.
3.2.13.3Liver of bovine animals, sheep, pig, poultry and horse0,50
3.2.13.4Kidney of bovine animals, sheep, pig, poultry and horse1,0
3.2.14Fishery products(2) and bivalve molluscs(2)The maximum level applies to the wet weight.
3.2.14.1Muscle meat of fish except species listed in 3.2.14.2, 3.2.14.3 and 3.2.14.40,050Where fish are intended to be eaten whole, the maximum level applies to the whole fish.In case of dried, diluted, processed and/or compound food, Article 3(1) and (2) apply.
3.2.14.2Muscle meat of the following fish:Mackerel (Scomber species)Tuna (Thunnus species, Katsuwonus pelamis, Euthynnus species)Bichique (Sicyopterus lagocephalus)0,10Where fish are intended to be eaten whole, the maximum level applies to the whole fish.In case of dried, diluted, processed and/or compound food, Article 3(1) and (2) apply.
3.2.14.3Muscle meat of bullet tuna (Auxis species)0,15Where fish are intended to be eaten whole, the maximum level applies to the whole fish.In case of dried, diluted, processed and/or compound food, Article 3(1) and (2) apply.
3.2.14.4Muscle meat of the following fish:Anchovy (Engraulis species)Swordfish (Xiphias gladius)Sardine (Sardina pilchardus)0,25Where fish are intended to be eaten whole, the maximum level applies to the whole fish.In case of dried, diluted, processed and/or compound food, Article 3(1) and (2) apply.
3.2.14.5Crustaceans0,50The maximum level applies to muscle meat from appendages and abdomen, which means that the cephalothorax of crustaceans is excluded. In case of crabs and crab-like crustaceans (Brachyura and Anomura) the maximum level applies to the muscle meat from appendages.In case of dried, diluted, processed and/or compound food, Article 3(1) and (2) apply.
3.2.14.6Bivalve molluscs1,0In case of Pecten maximus, the maximum level applies to the adductor muscle and gonad only.In case of dried, diluted, processed and/or compound food, Articles 3(1) and (2) apply.
3.2.14.7Cephalopods1,0The maximum level applies to the animal without viscera.In case of dried, diluted, processed and/or compound food, Articles 3(1) and (2) apply.
3.2.15Cocoa and chocolate products(14)
3.2.15.1Milk chocolate with < 30 % total dry cocoa solids0,10
3.2.15.2Chocolate with < 50 % total dry cocoa solids; milk chocolate with ≥ 30 % total dry cocoa solids0,30
3.2.15.3Chocolate with ≥ 50 % total dry cocoa solids0,80
3.2.15.4Cocoa powder placed on the market for the final consumer or as an ingredient in sweetened cocoa powder or powdered chocolate placed on the market for the final consumer (drinking chocolate)0,60
3.2.16Salt0,50
3.2.17Infant formulae, follow-on formulae, food for special medical purposes intended for infants and young children(3) and young-child formulae(4)The maximum level applies to the product as placed on the market.
3.2.17.1placed on the market as powder and manufactured from cows' milk proteins or cow’s milk protein hydrolysates0,010
3.2.17.2placed on the market as liquid and manufactured from cows' milk proteins or cow’s milk protein hydrolysates0,005
3.2.17.3placed on the market as powder and manufactured from soy protein isolates, alone or in a mixture with cows' milk proteins0,020
3.2.17.4placed on the market as liquid and manufactured from soy protein isolates, alone or in a mixture with cows' milk proteins0,010
3.2.18Young-child formulae(4)The maximum level applies to the product as placed on the market.
3.2.18.1placed on the market as powder and manufactured from plant protein isolates other than soy protein isolates, alone or in a mixture with cow’s milk proteins0,020
3.2.18.2placed on the market as liquid and manufactured from plant protein isolates other than soya protein isolates, alone or in a mixture with cow’s milk proteins0,010
3.2.19Drinks for infants and young children labelled and placed on the market as such except products listed in 3.2.17 and 3.2.18
3.2.19.1placed on the market as liquid or to be reconstituted following instructions of the manufacturer0,020Including fruit juices.The maximum level applies to the products ready to use.
3.2.20Baby food and processed cereal-based food for infants and young children(3)0,040The maximum level applies to the product as placed on the market.
3.2.21Food supplements
3.2.21.1Food supplements except products listed in 3.2.21.21,0
3.2.21.2Food supplements consisting at least of 80 % from dried seaweed, from products derived from seaweed or from dried bivalve molluscs(2)3,0
3.3MercuryMaximum level (mg/kg)Remarks
3.3.1Fishery products(2) and bivalve molluscs(2)The maximum level applies to the wet weight.Where fish are intended to be eaten whole, the maximum level applies to the whole fish.In case of dried, diluted, processed and/or compound food, Article 3(1) and (2) apply.
3.3.1.1Crustaceans, molluscs and muscle meat of fish except species listed in 3.3.1.2 and 3.3.1.30,50For crustaceans, the maximum level applies to muscle meat from appendages and abdomen, which means, that the cephalothorax of crustaceans is excluded. In case of crabs and crab-like crustaceans (Brachyura and Anomura) the maximum level applies to the muscle meat from appendages.In case of Pecten maximus, the maximum level applies to the adductor muscle and gonad only.
3.3.1.2Muscle meat of following fish:Axillary seabream (Pagellus acarne)Black scabbardfish (Aphanopus carbo)Blackspot seabream (Pagellus bogaraveo)Bonito (Sarda sarda)Common pandora (Pagellus erythrinus)Escolar (Lepidocybium flavobrunneum)Halibut (Hippoglossus species)Kingklip (Genypterus capensis)Marlin (Makaira species)Megrim (Lepidorhombus species)Oilfish (Ruvettus pretiosus)Orange roughy (Hoplostethus atlanticus)Pink cusk-eel (Genypterus blacodes)Pike (Esox species)Plain bonito (Orcynopsis unicolor)Poor cod (Trisopterus species)Red mullet (Mullus barbatus barbatus)Roundnose grenadier (Coryphaenoides rupestris)Sail fish (Istiophorus species)Silver scabbardfish (Lepidopus caudatus)Snake mackerel (Gempylus serpens)Sturgeon (Acipenser species)Surmullet (Mullus surmuletus)Tuna (Thunnus species, Euthynnus species, Katsuwonus pelamis)Shark (all species)Swordfish (Xiphias gladius)1,0
3.3.1.3CephalopodsMarine gastropodsMuscle meat of the following fish:Anchovy (Engraulis species)Alaska pollock (Theragra chalcogramma)Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua)Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus)Basa (Pangasius bocourti)Carp (species belonging to the Cyprinidae family)Common dab (Limanda limanda)Mackerel (Scomber species)European flounder (Platichthys flesus)European plaice (Pleuronectes platessa)European sprat (Sprattus sprattus)Mekong giant catfish (Pangasianodon gigas)Pollock (Pollachius pollachius)Saithe (Pollachius virens)Salmon & Trout (Salmo species and Oncorhynchus species, except Salmo trutta)Sardine or Pilchard (Dussumieria species, Sardina species, Sardinella species and Sardinops species)Sole (Solea Solea)Striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypopthalmus)Whiting (Merlangius merlangus)0,30For cephalopods, the maximum level applies to the animal without viscera.
3.3.2Food supplements0,10
3.3.3Salt0,10
3.4ArsenicMaximum level (mg/kg)Remarks
Inorganic arsenic (sum of As(III) and As(V))The maximum level for inorganic arsenic applies to products listed in 3.4.1 to 3.4.4.
3.4.1Cereals and cereal based productsRice, husked rice, milled rice and parboiled rice as defined in Codex Standard 198-1995.
3.4.1.1Non-parboiled milled rice (polished or white rice)0,15
3.4.1.2Parboiled rice and husked rice0,25
3.4.1.3Rice flour0,25
3.4.1.4Rice waffles, rice wafers, rice crackers, rice cakes, rice flakes and popped breakfast rice0,30
3.4.1.5Rice destined for the production of food for infants and young children(3)0,10
3.4.1.6Non-alcoholic rice-based drinks0,030
3.4.2Infant formulae, follow-on formulae and food for special medical purposes intended for infants and young children(3) and young child formulae(4)The maximum level applies to the product as placed on the market.
3.4.2.1placed on the market as powder0,020
3.4.2.2placed on the market as liquid0,010
3.4.3Baby food(3)0,020The maximum level applies to the product as placed on the market.
3.4.4Fruit juices, concentrated fruit juices as reconstituted and fruit nectars(9)0,020
Total arsenicThe maximum level for total arsenic applies to products listed in 3.4.5.
3.4.5Salt0,50
3.5Tin (inorganic)Maximum level (mg/kg)Remarks
3.5.1Canned food except products listed in 3.5.2, 3.5.3, 3.5.4 and 3.5.5200The maximum level applies to the wet weight.
3.5.2Canned beverages except products listed in 3.5.3, 3.5.4 and 3.5.5100The maximum level applies to the wet weight.Including fruit juices and vegetable juices.
3.5.3Canned infant formulae, canned follow-on formulae(3) and canned young-child formulae(4)50Except canned dried and canned powdered products.The maximum level applies to the product as placed on the market.
3.5.4Canned baby food and canned processed cereal-based food for infants and young children(3)50Except canned dried and canned powdered products.The maximum level applies to the product as placed on the market.
3.5.5Canned food for special medical purposes intended for infants and young children(3)50Except canned dried and canned powdered products.The maximum level applies to the product as placed on the market.
4Halogenated persistent organic pollutants
4.1Dioxins and PCBsMaximum levelRemarks
Sum of dioxins (pg WHO-PCDD/F-TEQ/g)(15)Sum of dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs (pg WHO-PCDD/F-PCB-TEQ/g)(15)Sum of non dioxin-like PCBs (ng/g)(15)Sum of non dioxin-like PCBs is of PCB28, PCB52, PCB101, PCB138, PCB153 and PCB180 (ICES - 6).Maximum levels refer to upper bound concentrations, which are calculated on the assumption that all the values of the different congeners below the limit of quantification are equal to the limit of quantification.
4.1.1Meat and meat products except edible offal and products listed in 4.1.3 and 4.1.4 (2)The maximum level expressed on fat does not apply to food containing less than 2 % fat. For food containing less than 2 % fat, the maximum level applies on a product basis.This maximum level is calculated using this formula:Maximum level expressed on a product basis (for food containing less than 2 % fat) = maximum level expressed on fat (for that food) × 0,02.
4.1.1.1of bovine, ovine and caprine animals2,5 pg/g fat4,0 pg/g fat40 ng/g fat
4.1.1.2of pigs1,0 pg/g fat1,25 pg/g fat40 ng/g fat
4.1.1.3of poultry1,75 pg/g fat3,0 pg/g fat40 ng/g fat
4.1.1.4of horse5,0 pg/g fat10,0 pg/g fat-
4.1.1.5of rabbit1,0 pg/g fat1,5 pg/g fat-
4.1.1.6of wild boar (Sus scrofa)5,0 pg/g fat10,0 pg/g fat-
4.1.1.7of wild game birds2,0 pg/g fat4,0 pg/g fat-
4.1.1.8of Cervidae3,0 pg/g fat7,5 pg/g fat-
4.1.2Liver and derived products thereof
4.1.2.1of bovine and caprine animals, pigs, poultry and horse0,30 pg/g wet weight0,50 pg/g wet weight3,0 ng/g wet weight
4.1.2.2of ovine animals1,25 pg/g wet weight2,00 pg/g wet weight3,0 ng/g wet weight
4.1.2.3of wild game birds2,5 pg/g wet weight5,0 pg/g wet weight-
4.1.3Fat
4.1.3.1of bovine animals and sheep2,5 pg/g fat4,0 pg/g fat40 ng/g fat
4.1.3.2of pigs1,0 pg/g fat1,25 pg/g fat40 ng/g fat
4.1.3.3of poultry1,75 pg/g fat3,0 pg/g fat40 ng/g fat
4.1.4Mixed animal fats1,5 pg/g fat2,50 pg/g fat40 ng/g fat
4.1.5Fishery products(2) and bivalve molluscs(2) except products listed in 4.1.6, 4.1.7, 4.1.8, 4.1.9 and 4.1.103,5 pg/g wet weight6,5 pg/g wet weight75 ng/g wet weightIn case of fish, maximum level applies to muscle meat of fish.Where fish are intended to be eaten whole, the maximum level applies to the whole fish.The maximum level for crustaceans applies to muscle meat from appendages and abdomen, that means, that the cephalothorax of crustaceans is excluded.
4.1.6Muscle meat of wild caught fresh water fish and products thereof3,5 pg/g wet weight6,5 pg/g wet weight125 ng/g wet weightExcept diadromous fish species caught in fresh water and products thereofWhere fish are intended to be eaten whole, the maximum level applies to the whole fish.
4.1.7Muscle meat of wild caught spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias) and products thereof3,5 pg/g wet weight6,5 pg/g wet weight200 ng/g wet weight
4.1.8Muscle meat of wild caught eel (Anguilla anguilla) and products thereof3,5 pg/g wet weight10,0 pg/g wet weight300 ng/g wet weight
4.1.9Fish liver and derived products thereof except products listed in 4.1.10-20,0 pg/g wet weight200 ng/g wet weightIn the case of canned fish liver, the maximum level applies to the whole edible content of the can.
4.1.10Marine oils (fish body oil, fish liver oil and oils of other marine organisms placed on the market for the final consumer)1,75 pg/g fat6,0 pg/g fat200 ng/g fat
4.1.11Raw milk (2) and dairy products (2)2,0 pg/g fat4,0 pg/g fat40 ng/g fatIncluding butter fat.The maximum level expressed on fat does not apply to food containing less than 2 % fat. For food containing less than 2 % fat, the maximum level applies on a product basis.This maximum level is calculated using this formula:Maximum level expressed on a product basis (for food containing less than 2 % fat) = maximum level expressed on fat (for that food) × 0,02.
4.1.12Eggs and egg products except goose eggs (2)2,5 pg/g fat5,0 pg/g fat40 ng/g fatThe maximum level expressed on fat does not apply to food containing less than 2 % fat. For food containing less than 2 % fat, the maximum level applies on a product basis.This maximum level is calculated using this formula:Maximum level expressed on a product basis (for food containing less than 2 % fat) = maximum level expressed on fat (for that food) × 0,02.
4.1.13Vegetable oils and fats0,75 pg/g fat1,25 pg/g fat40 ng/g fat
4.1.14Food intended for infants and young children(3)0,1 pg/g wet weight0,2 pg/g wet weight1,0 ng/g wet weightThe maximum level applies to the products ready to use (placed on the market as such or after reconstitution as instructed by the manufacturer).
4.2Perfluoroalkyl substancesMaximum level (μg/kg)Remarks
PFOSPFOAPFNAPFHxSSum of PFOS, PFOA, PFNA and PFHxSThe maximum level applies to the wet weight.PFOS: perfluorooctane sulfonic acidPFOA: perfluorooctanoic acidPFNA: perfluorononanoic acidPFHxS: perfluorohexane sulfonic acidFor PFOS, PFOA, PFNA, PFHxS and their sum, the maximum level refers to the sum of linear and branched stereoisomers, whether they are chromatographically separated or not.For the sum of PFOS, PFOA, PFNA and PFHxS, maximum levels refer to lower bound concentrations, which are calculated on the assumption that all the values below the limit of quantification are zero.
4.2.1Meat and edible offal(2)
4.2.1.1Meat of bovine animals, pig and poultry0,300,800,200,201,3
4.2.1.2Meat of sheep1,00,200,200,201,6
4.2.1.3Offal of bovine animals, sheep, pig and poultry6,00,700,400,508,0
4.2.1.4Meat of game animals, with the exception of bear meat5,03,51,50,609,0
4.2.1.5Offal of game animals, with the exception of bear offal5025453,050
4.2.2Fishery products(2) and bivalve molluscs(2)In case of dried, diluted, processed and/or compound food, Article 3(1) and (2) apply.
4.2.2.1Fish meatWhere fish are intended to be eaten whole, the maximum level applies to the whole fish.
4.2.2.1.1Muscle meat of fish, except products listed in 4.2.2.1.2 and 4.2.2.1.3Muscle meat of fish listed in 4.2.2.1.2 and 4.2.2.1.3, in case it is intended for the production of food for infants and young children2,00,200,500,202,0
4.2.2.1.2Muscle meat of the following fish, in case it is not intended for the production of food for infants and young children:Baltic herring (Clupea harengus membras)Bonito (Sarda and Orcynopsis species)Burbot (Lota lota)European sprat (Sprattus sprattus)Flounder (Platichthys flesus and Glyptocephalus cynoglossus)Grey mullet (Mugil cephalus)Horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus)Pike (Esox species)Plaice (Pleuronectes and Lepidopsetta species)Sardine and pilchard (Sardina species)Seabass (Dicentrarchus species)Sea catfish (Silurus and Pangasius species)Sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus)Tench (Tinca tinca)Vendace (Coregonus albula and Coregonus vandesius)Silverly lightfish (Phosichthys argenteus)Wild salmon and wild trout (wild Salmo and Oncorhynchus species)Wolf fish (Anarhichas species)7,01,02,50,208,0
4.2.2.1.3Muscle meat of the following fish, in case it is not intended for the production of food for infants and young children:Anchovy (Engraulis species)Babel (Barbus barbus)Bream (Abramis species)Char (Salvelinus species)Eel (Anguilla species)Pike-perch (Sander species)Perch (Perca fluviatilis)Roach (Rutilus rutilus)Smelt (Osmerus species)Whitefish (Coregonus species other than those listed in 4.2.2.1.2)358,08,01,545
4.2.2.2Crustaceans and bivalve molluscs3,00,701,01,55,0For crustaceans, the maximum level applies to muscle meat from appendages and abdomen, that means, that the cephalothorax of crustaceans is excluded. In case of crabs and crab-like crustaceans (Brachyura and Anomura), the maximum level applies to the muscle meat from appendages.In case of Pecten maximus, the maximum level applies to the adductor muscle and gonad only.For canned crustaceans, the maximum level applies to the whole content of the can. As regards the maximum level for the whole composite product, Article 3(1), point (c) and Article 3(2) apply.
4.2.3Eggs1,00,300,700,301,7
5Processing contaminants
5.1Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)Maximum level (μg/kg)Remarks
Benzo(a)pyreneSum of PAHs: benzo(a)pyrene, benz(a)anthracene, benzo(b) fluoranthene and chryseneFor the sum of PAHs, maximum levels refer to lower bound concentrations, which are calculated on the assumption that all the values of the four substances below the limit of quantification are zero.
5.1.1Banana chips2,020,0
5.1.2Powders of food of plant origin for the preparation of beverages except products listed in 5.1.4 and 5.1.510,050,0The preparation of beverages refers to the use of powders that are finely ground and are stirred into drinks.Except instant or soluble coffee.
5.1.3Dried herbs10,050,0The maximum level applies to the product as placed on the market.
5.1.4Cocoa beans and derived products except products listed in 5.1.55,0 μg/kg fat30,0 μg/kg fatIncluding cocoa butter.
5.1.5Cocoa fibre and products derived from cocoa fibre intended for use as an ingredient in food3,015,0Cocoa fibre is a specific cocoa product produced from the shell of the cocoa bean and contains higher levels of PAHs than the cocoa products produced from the cocoa nibs. The cocoa fibre and derived products are intermediate products in the production chain and are used as an ingredient in the preparation of low calorie, high fibre food.
5.1.6Smoked meat and smoked meat products2,012,0
5.1.7Smoked fishery products(2) except products listed in 5.1.82,012,0In case of fish, the maximum level applies to muscle meat of fish.Where fish are intended to be eaten whole, the maximum level applies to the whole fish.The maximum level for smoked crustaceans applies to muscle meat from appendages and abdomen, that means, that the cephalothorax of crustaceans is excluded. In case of smoked crabs and crab-like crustaceans (Brachyura and Anomura) it applies to muscle meat from appendages.
5.1.8Smoked sprats and canned smoked sprats (Sprattus sprattus)Smoked Baltic herring ≤ 14 cm length and canned smoked Baltic herring ≤ 14 cm length (Clupea harengus membras)Katsuobushi (dried bonito, Katsuwonus pelamis)Bivalve molluscs(2) (fresh, chilled or frozen)Heat treated meat and heat treated meat products placed on the market for the final consumer5,030,0Where fish are intended to be eaten whole, the maximum level applies to the whole fish.Meat and meat products that have undergone a heat treatment potentially resulting in formation of PAH, i.e. only grilling and barbecuing.For the canned products, the maximum level applies to the whole content of the can. As regards the maximum level for the whole composite product, Article 3(1), point (c) and Article 3(2) apply.
5.1.9Smoked bivalve molluscs(2)6,035,0
5.1.10Dried spices10,050,0Except cardamom and smoked Capsicum spp.The maximum level applies to the product as placed on the market.
5.1.11Oils and fats placed on the market for the final consumer or use as an ingredient in food2,010,0Except cocoa butter and coconut oil.This maximum level applies to vegetable oils used as an ingredient in food supplements.
5.1.12Coconut oil placed on the market for the final consumer or use as an ingredient in food2,020,0
5.1.13Infant formulae, follow-on formulae (3) and young-child formulae (4)The maximum level applies to the product as placed on the market.
5.1.13.1placed on the market as powder1,01,0
5.1.13.2placed on the market as liquid1,01,0
5.1.14Baby food and processed cereal-based food for infants and young children(3)1,01,0The maximum level applies to the product as placed on the market.
5.1.15Food for special medical purposes intended for infants and young children (3)The maximum level applies to the product as placed on the market.
5.1.15.1placed on the market as powder1,01,0
5.1.15.2placed on the market as liquid1,01,0
5.1.16Food supplements containing botanicals and their preparations(13)Food supplements containing propolis, royal jelly, spirulina or their preparations10,050,0The maximum level does not apply to food supplements containing vegetable oils. For vegetable oils used as an ingredient in food supplements, see point 5.1.11.
5.23-monochloropropane-1,2-diol (3-MCPD)Maximum level (μg/kg)Remarks
5.2.1Hydrolysed vegetable protein20The maximum level is given for the liquid product containing 40 % dry matter, corresponding to a maximum level of 50 μg/kg in the dry matter. The level needs to be adjusted proportionally according to the dry matter content of the products.
5.2.2Soy sauce20The maximum level is given for the liquid product containing 40 % dry matter, corresponding to a maximum level of 50 μg/kg in the dry matter. The level needs to be adjusted proportionally according to the dry matter content of the products.
5.3Sum of 3-monochloropropanediol (3-MCPD) and 3-MCPD fatty acid esters, expressed as 3-MCPDMaximum level (μg/kg)Remarks
For the sum of 3-monochloropropanediol (3-MCPD) and 3-MCPD fatty acid esters, maximum levels refer to lower bound concentrations, which are calculated on the assumption that all the values below the limit of quantification are zero.
5.3.1Vegetable oils and fats, fish oils and oils from other marine organisms except products listed in 5.3.2 placed on the market for the final consumer or for use as an ingredient in food falling within the following categories:Except virgin olive oils(7).
5.3.1.1oils and fats from coconut, maize, rapeseed, sunflower, soybean, palm kernel and olive oils (composed of refined olive oil and virgin olive oil) and mixtures of oils and fats with oils and fats only from this category1250Except virgin olive oils(7).
5.3.1.2other vegetable oils, fish oils and oils from other marine organisms and mixtures of oils and fats with oils and fats only from this category2500Including pomace olive oils.
5.3.1.3mixtures of oils and fats from products listed in 5.3.1.1 and 5.3.1.2-The oils and fats used as ingredient for the mixture shall comply with the maximum level established for the oil and fat. Therefore, the level of the sum of 3-MCPD and 3-MCPD fatty acid esters, expressed as 3-MCPD in the mixture, shall not exceed the level calculated in accordance with Article 3(1), point (c).In case the quantitative composition is not known for the competent authority and the food business operator, not producing the mixture, the level of the sum of 3-MCPD and 3-MCPD fatty acid esters, expressed as 3-MCPD in the mixture shall in any case not exceed 2500 μg/kg.
5.3.2Vegetable oils and fats, fish oils and oils from other marine organisms destined for the production of baby food and processed cereal-based food for infants and young children(3)750When the product is a mixture of different oils or fats of the same or of different botanical origins, the maximum level applies for the mixture. The oils and fats used as ingredient for the mixture shall comply with the maximum level established for the oil and fat in point 5.3.1.
5.3.3Infant formulae, follow-on formulae and food for special medical purposes intended for infants and young children(3) and young-child formulae(4)The maximum level applies to the product as placed on the market.
5.3.3.1placed on the market as powder125
5.3.3.2placed on the market as liquid15
5.4Glycidyl fatty acid esters, expressed as glycidolMaximum level (μg/kg)Remarks
5.4.1Vegetable oils and fats, fish oils and oils from other marine organisms placed on the market for the final consumer or for use as an ingredient in food except products listed in 5.4.21000Except virgin olive oils(7).
5.4.2Vegetable oils and fats, fish oils and oils from other marine organisms destined for the production of baby food and processed cereal-based food for infants and young children(3)500When the product is a mixture of different oils or fats of the same or of different botanical origins, the maximum level applies for the mixture.The oils and fats used as ingredient for the mixture shall comply with the maximum level established for the oil and fat in point 5.4.1.
5.4.3Infant formulae, follow-on formulae and food for special medical purposes intended for infants and young children(3) and young-child formulae(4)The maximum level applies to the product as placed on the market.
5.4.3.1placed on the market as powder50
5.4.3.2placed on the market as liquid6,0
6Other contaminants
6.1NitratesMaximum level(mg NO3/kg)
6.1.1Fresh spinach (Spinacia oleracea)3500The maximum level does not apply for fresh spinach for processing, which is directly transported in bulk from field to processing plant.
6.1.2Preserved, deep-frozen or frozen spinach2000
6.1.3Fresh lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) except products listed in 6.1.4
6.1.3.1Lettuce grown under cover, harvested between 1 October and 31 March5000Lettuce grown under cover has to be labelled as such; otherwise the maximum level specified in 6.1.3.2 applies.
6.1.3.2Lettuce grown in the open air, harvested between 1 October and 31 March4000
6.1.3.3Lettuce grown under cover, harvested between 1 April and 30 September4000Lettuce grown under cover has to be labelled as such; otherwise the maximum level specified in 6.1.3.4 applies.
6.1.3.4Lettuce grown in the open air, harvested between 1 April and 30 September3000
6.1.4"Iceberg" type lettuceIncluding Grazer Krauthäuptl.
6.1.4.1Lettuce grown under cover2500Lettuce grown under cover has to be labelled as such; otherwise the maximum level specified in 6.1.4.2 applies.
6.1.4.2Lettuce grown in the open air2000
6.1.5Rucola (Eruca sativa, Diplotaxis sp., Brassica tenuifolia, Sisymbrium tenuifolium)
6.1.5.1harvested between 1 October and 31 March7000
6.1.5.2harvested between 1 April and 30 September6000
6.1.6Baby food and processed cereal-based food for infants and young children(3)200The maximum level applies to the products ready to use (placed on the market as such or after reconstitution as instructed by the manufacturer).
6.2MelamineMaximum level (mg/kg)Remarks
6.2.1Food except products listed in 6.2.22,5The maximum level does not apply to food for which it can be proven that the level of melamine higher than 2,5 mg/kg is the consequence of authorized use of cyromazine as insecticide. The melamine level shall not exceed the level of cyromazine.
6.2.2Infant formulae, follow-on formulae(3) and young-child formulae(4)The maximum level applies to the product as placed on the market.
6.2.2.1placed on the market as powder1,0
6.2.2.2placed on the market as liquid0,15
6.3PerchlorateMaximum level (mg/kg)Remarks
6.3.1Fruits and vegetables except products listed in 6.3.1.1, 6.3.1.2 and 6.3.1.30,05
6.3.1.1Cucurbitaceae and kale0,10
6.3.1.2Leaf vegetables and herbs0,50
6.3.1.3Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) with pods0,15
6.3.2Tea (Camellia sinensis) (dried product)Herbal and fruit infusions (dried product) and ingredients used for herbal and fruit infusions (dried products)0,75"Herbal infusions (dried product)" refers to:herbal infusions (dried product) from flowers, leaves, stalks, roots, and any other parts of the plant (in sachets or in bulk) used for the preparation of herbal infusion (liquid product); andinstant herbal infusions. In the case of powdered extracts, a concentration factor of 4 has to be applied.
6.3.3Infant formulae, follow-on formulae, food for special medical purposes intended for infants and young children(3) and young-child formulae(4)0,01The maximum level applies to the products ready to use (placed on the market as such or after reconstitution as instructed by the manufacturer).
6.3.4Baby food(3)0,02The maximum level applies to the products ready to use (placed on the market as such or after reconstitution as instructed by the manufacturer).
6.3.5Processed cereal-based food(3)0,01The maximum level applies to the product as placed on the market.
(1)Fruits, tree nuts, vegetables, cereals, oilseeds and spices as listed in the relevant category as defined in Annex I to Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 February 2005 on maximum residue levels of pesticides in or on food and feed of plant and animal origin and amending Council Directive 91/414/EEC (OJ L 70, 16.3.2005, p. 1). For the purpose of this Regulation tree nuts are not covered by the maximum level for fruits.(2)Food as defined in Annex I to Regulation (EC) No 853/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 laying down specific hygiene rules for food of animal origin (OJ L 139, 30.4.2004, p. 55).(3)Food as defined in Article 2 of Regulation (EU) No 609/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 June 2013 on food intended for infants and young children, food for special medical purposes, and total diet replacement for weight control and repealing Council Directive 92/52/EEC, Commission Directives 96/8/EC, 1999/21/EC, 2006/125/EC and 2006/141/EC, Directive 2009/39/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council and Commission Regulations (EC) No 41/2009 and (EC) No 953/2009 (OJ L181, 29.6.2013, p. 35).(4)"Young-child formulae" refers to milk-based drinks and similar protein-based products intended for young children. These products are outside the scope of Regulation (EU) No 609/2013 (Report from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council on young-child formulae (COM(2016) 169 final) https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri&equals;CELEX%3A52016DC0169&qid&equals;1620902871447).(5)Dry matter is determined according to Commission Regulation (EC) No 401/2006 of 23 February 2006 laying down the methods of sampling and analysis for the official control of the levels of mycotoxins in foodstuffs (OJ L 70, 9.3.2006, p. 12).(6)First stage processing means any physical or thermal treatment, other than drying, of or on the grain. Cleaning, including scouring, dehulling, sorting (colour sorting where applicable) and drying procedures are not considered to be "first-stage processing" insofar as the whole grain remains intact after cleaning and sorting. Scouring means cleaning cereal by brushing and/or scrubbing it vigorously, combined with dust removal (e.g. aspiration). The scouring may be followed by a colour sorting before milling.(7)Food as defined in Part II and Part VIII of Annex VII to Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 establishing a common organisation of the markets in agricultural products and repealing Council Regulations (EEC) No 922/72, (EEC) No 234/79, (EC) No 1037/2001 and (EC) No 1234/2007 (OJ L 347 20.12.2013, p. 671).(8)Food as defined in Article 3 of Regulation (EU) No 251/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February 2014 on the definition, description, presentation, labelling and the protection of geographical indications of aromatised wine products and repealing Council Regulation (EEC) No 1601/91 (OJ L 84, 20.3.2014, p. 14).(9)Food as defined in Council Directive 2001/112/EC of 20 December 2001 relating to fruit juices and certain similar products intended for human consumption (OJ L 10, 12.1.2002, p. 58).(10)Food as defined in Article 2 of Regulation (EU) 2019/787 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 April 2019 on the definition, description, presentation and labelling of spirit drinks, the use of the names of spirit drinks in the presentation and labelling of other foodstuffs, the protection of geographical indications for spirit drinks, the use of ethyl alcohol and distillates of agricultural origin in alcoholic beverages, and repealing Regulation (EC) No 110/2008 (OJ L 130, 17. 5. 2019, p.1).(11)The font size as specified in Article 13(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2011 on the provision of food information to consumers (OJ L 304 22.11.2011, p. 18).(12)"Flavoured tea" is tea with a "flavouring" or a "food ingredient with flavouring properties" as defined in Article 3 of Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2008 on flavourings and certain food ingredients with flavouring properties for use in and on foods and amending Council Regulation (EEC) No 1601/91, Regulations (EC) No 2232/96 and (EC) No 110/2008 and Directive 2000/13/EC (OJ L 354, 31.12.2008, p. 34).(13)Botanical preparations for food supplements are obtained from botanicals (e.g. whole, plant parts, fragmented or cut plants) by various processes (e.g. pressing, squeezing, extraction, fractionation, distillation, concentration, drying up and fermentation). Botanical preparations include comminuted or powdered plants, plant parts, algae, fungi, lichen, tinctures, extracts, essential oils (other than the vegetable oils and fats (excluding butter and coconut oil) intended for direct human consumption or use as an ingredient in food), expressed juices and processed exudates.(14)"Cocoa and chocolate products" are any of the products defined in points 2, 3 and 4 of part A of Annex I to Directive 2000/36/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 June 2000 relating to cocoa and chocolate products intended for human consumption (OJ L 197, 3.8.2000, p. 19).(15)WHO-TEQs: The sum of dioxins (polychlorinated dibenzo-para-dioxins [PCDDs] and polychlorinated dibenzofurans [PCDFs]) and the sum of dioxins and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are calculated using the WHO-toxic equivalency factors (WHO-TEFs) and expressed as WHO toxic equivalents (WHO-TEQs). WHO-TEFs for human risk assessment are based on the conclusions of the World Health Organization (WHO) – International Programme on Chemical Safety (IPCS) expert meeting which was held in Geneva in June 2005 (Van den Berg et al., The 2005 World Health Organization Re-evaluation of Human and Mammalian Toxic Equivalency Factors for Dioxins and Dioxin-like Compounds. Toxicological Sciences 93[2], 223-241 [2006]).
Abbreviations used: "T" = tetra; "Pe" = penta; "Hx" = hexa; "Hp" = hepta; "O" = octa; "CDD" = chlorodibenzodioxin; "CDF" = chlorodibenzofuran; "CB" = chlorobiphenyl
CongenerTEF valueCongenerTEF value
Dioxins"Dioxin-like" PCBs
Dibenzo-p-dioxins ("PCDDs")Non-ortho–substituted PCBs
2,3,7,8-TCDD1PCB 770,0001
1,2,3,7,8-PeCDD1PCB 810,0003
1,2,3,4,7,8-HxCDD0,1PCB 1260,1
1,2,3,6,7,8-HxCDD0,1PCB 1690,03
1,2,3,7,8,9-HxCDD0,1
1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpCDD0,01
OCDD0,0003
Mono-ortho–substituted PCBs
2,3,7,8-TCDF0,1PCB 1050,00003
1,2,3,7,8-PeCDF0,03PCB 1140,00003
2,3,4,7,8-PeCDF0,3PCB 1180,00003
1,2,3,4,7,8-HxCDF0,1PCB 1230,00003
1,2,3,6,7,8-HxCDF0,1PCB 1560,00003
1,2,3,7,8,9-HxCDF0,1PCB 1570,00003
2,3,4,6,7,8-HxCDF0,1PCB 1670,00003
1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpCDF0,01PCB 1890,00003
1,2,3,4,7,8,9-HpCDF0,01
OCDF0,0003
ANNEX IICorrelation table referred to in Article 9
Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006This Regulation
Article 1Article 2
Article 2(1), 2(2), 2(3)Article 3(1), 3(2), 3(3)
Article 2(4)Article 3(3)
Article 3(1), 3(2)Article 2(1), 2(2)
Article 3(3)Article 5(3)
Article 3(4)Article 4
Article 4Article 5
Article 5Article 6
Article 6Annex I, points 6.1.3.1, 6.1.3.3, 6.1.4.1
Article 7Article 7
Article 8-
Article 9Article 8
Article 10Article 9
Article 11Article 10
Article 12Article 11
AnnexAnnex I

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